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Discussing Values in Paramedic Practice

02 April 2023
Volume 15 · Issue 4

Abstract

A case-based discussion around values-based practice illustrates how the elements of values-based practice can be used to: navigate a challenging situation in practice; examine how it intersects with legal considerations; and offer both opportunities and challenges to clinicians.

Storytelling has long been recognised as important to paramedics. This helps to build professional identity and identify correct practice, and can be used as a safe way of exploring professional opinions (Tangherlini, 2000; Furness et al, 2016). A strength of stories is that they allow both the storyteller and the listener to place themselves in the narrative and consider the question, ‘What would I do?’. This positioning of individuals, both patients and clinicians, as an important part of delivering care is a key element of values-based practice (Fulford and Carroll, 2012).

Values by their very nature differ between individuals but, at times, it is assumed that professional values are shared universally (Eaton, 2019). Values may not be routinely discussed and may be discovered only when faced by a difficult or challenging situation.

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